The Grand Strand – 60 Miles of Fun and Sun in South Carolina

Photo courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach

Along this large stretch of beach on the Atlantic Coast in South Carolina lie 14 distinct communities ideal for your next getaway. The most famous is Myrtle Beach, filled with hotels, more than 80 golf courses, restaurants and a fabulous entertainment mecca. It’s no wonder Myrtle Beach attracts over 10 million visitors each season. Here’s your game plan for making memories:

Get up close and personal with more than 8,500 aquatic animals, representing more than 75 different species. Take their exclusive glass-bottom boat ride into the heart of the shark tank and be surrounded by colorful marine life. Enjoy their daily dive shows, meet the mermaids and have a blast at their behind-the-scenes tours, too! Currently on display is the Pearl Harbor exhibit that let you experience what it was like on a “day that will live on in infamy.” Be transported back in time as you sound the alarms inside the Arizona and take your picture with FDR. This interactive gallery will both educate and amaze you!

FDR at Ripley’s Aquarium. Photo courtesy of Mira Temkin

Sheer Wonder at WonderWorks

Photo of icon WonderWorks courtesy of WonderWorks

Let your imagination run wild at Wonder Works, a larger-than-life educational and amusement attraction that will keep everyone entertained. You’ll know it when you get there because Wonderworks is upside down! Discover more than 100 + interactive, hands-on exhibits plus laser tag, ropes course & a 6D motion ride. Can you stand inside the Hurricane Simulator, Bubble Lab or Space Discovery?

Photo courtesy of WonderWorks

Grab a Squishee at Kwik-E-Mart

Don’t forget to visit the soon-to-open Simpson’s 4D Movie Theatre Experience where you can grab a Lard Lad donut from Kwik E-Mart, a Duff Beer Energy Drink and a world-famous Squishee. My fave flave was the Itchy Berry Blast.

Photo of Kwik-E-Mart courtesy of Mira Temkin

And don’t forget all of the Simpson’s mementos. This first-of-its-kind anywhere attraction takes you inside the Aztec Theater to see both Simpson’s movies and get a souvenir of your Red Carpet experience. Cowabunga!

Photo of Aztec Theater courtesy of Mira Temkin

Hear your favorite legends come to life

Legends in Concert is the world’s greatest live tribute show featuring a talented cast paying tribute to a rotating lineup of musical greats, past and present. Hear Elvis, Dolly, Elton John and Johnny Cash and more.

Knock ‘em down!

Photo courtesy of 810 Billiards and Bowling

Head to 810 Billiards and Bowling for a great family outing of bowling, foosball, darts, shuffleboard, billiards, glow-in the-dark putt-putt, an arcade and more. Enjoy great shareable snacks, flatbread pizzas, burgers and the best “Happy Hour” on the beach! Or, just relax and watch your favorite game on their huge wide screen TVs. Three locations along the Strand. 810bowling.com

Dining from Casual to Formal

Nacho Hippo Cantina Maximo in Market Common and North Myrtle Beach is a great place for family dining known for their unique, award-winning nachos and margaritas. Dare you try the Macho Nacho with chili, jalapenos and queso? Or the Tree Hugger nachos with fire-roasted vegetables? Wash it all down with their $3 Hip Margaritas. Or enjoy their specialty Carnitas, Sloppy Burritos or Chimichangas. Finish it off with Churros…they’re outstanding!

Photo courtesy of Mira Temkin

Hook & Barrel Fish & Wine House is a fresh seafood place you don’t want to miss, famous for their Steam Galley of steamed oysters, clams and She Crab Soup. Start with their delicious Seafood Tower of oysters, crab claws, shrimp cocktail and lobster tail. As an entrée, try the Paella for 2 or Shrimp & Grits, a real Southern favorite. Meat lovers will enjoy the savory Peach Pork Tenderloin or Bistro Chicken. Their Key Lime Pie and Baked Alaska are sensational. Come back for their Sunday brunch of Cinnamon Roll French Toast and a host of Egg Benedicts.

Photo courtesy of Hook and Barrel Restaurant

Have a Grand Time on the Grand Strand!

Doc Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari, Family Kingdom and Splashes Oceanfront Waterpark, Pirate Adventures and so much more await you in Myrtle Beach. For more information, go to http://visitmyrtlebeach.com.

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